SKATERS are just weeks away from stepping back on to the ice in Altrincham after builders laid the foundations for a new rink.

Since the old venue on Devonshire Road closed in 2003, skaters, including Sale ice dance champion Jennifer Barnfield, have had to make 80-mile training trips to North Wales.

But now a semi-permanent "ice dome" is being built on Oakfield Road and could open in just over 10 weeks.

The venue will be the new stadium of the Manchester Phoenix Ice Hockey Club.

Neil Morris, the ice hockey club's owner, has joined forces with Mike Petrouis, owner of several rinks, to fund the project as part of the long-term development of Altrincham town centre by developers David McLean Nikal.

'Great news'

The club was using the M.E.N Arena for games until the arena stopped being used as a venue for ice hockey in 2004.

Andy Costigan, a spokesman for the club, said: " "It's great news for everyone, especially for children across the region, who will soon be able to get involved and to try out ice hockey and skating."

The building has a design, already popular for ice rinks in Finland, and it is expected to have a five-year life span. By then a permanent facility, part of Altrincham's Station Location development programme, should be in place.